Technically, though, the islands themselves are far from being “dry.” Water dominates most of the park’s 100-square-mile area. In fact, barely 85 acres of dry land are found in the Dry Tortugas. The rest of it—the wet part—can be explored by boat, snorkeling, or casual wading. How does the author’s choice of the word dominates help readers understand the meaning of the excerpt? The reader learns that water overpowers the area. The reader learns that water overpowers the area. The reader learns that water strengthens the area. The reader learns that water strengthens the area. The reader learns that water commands respect in the area. The reader learns that water commands respect in the area. The reader learns that water is a prominent feature of the area.